International Dolphin Watch (IDW) Has an unblemished reputation as a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping dolphins since it was founded by Dr Horace Dobbs in 1978. www.idw.org
TRIBUTE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
People helping dolphins
EDUCATION (The IDEAL Way)
*(c) ‘Friends Waimea’ Photo by Leilani Tresise
1 CONTENTS TRIBUTE ...... 3 A Personal Tribute to Jackie and Terry Connell ...... 3 EDITORIAL ...... 7 The Day Dolphins came to Cable Bay Far North of New Zealand ...... 7 Jackie and Terry Connell visit the Whaling Museum at Butler Point ...... 10 EDUCATION ...... 12 The IDEAL Road ...... 12 NEWS ...... 15 Sea Shepherd Interrupts Illegal Whale Slaughter ...... 15 An Early End to Japan’s Whaling Season, and What It Means for Dolphins ...... 16 107 Pilot Whales Stranded in New Zealand ...... 17 Dolphin-killing film in Japanese sent to Taiji ...... 17 FRIENDS’ NEWS ...... 18 Entering the Humpback Whale Sanctuary ...... 18 Wildquest Adventure Retreats ...... 20 Green Cities Foundation ...... 20 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ...... 21 Helped By Dolphins ...... 21 A dolphin experience that I will NEVER forget! ...... 22 Nothing has been the same since that day a dolphin popped up in front of me ...... 23 Beautiful film of Dog, wild dolphins and humans interacting with LOVE (What a beautiful world)...... 23 Spinner Dolphins playing in Hawaii 25 of january 2011 ...... 24 Dolphins and Orca at Taupo Bay ...... 25 He used to hunt dolphins, now he leads dolphin tours - join us in supporting him! ...... 26 ACTION ...... 27 TOM AND MISHA JUMP FOR JOY ...... 27 Dolphin Swim Australia Sponsors Sydney Harbour Swim Classic for Charity ...... 28 ACHIEVEMENT ...... 29 Dilo the Dolphin Continues to Bring Joy to Children ...... 29 in Czech Republic ...... 29 RESEARCH ...... 34 Birgit Baader researching ways to directly communicate and exchange information with cetaceans...... 34 HEPCA – Protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Red Sea and Egypt ...... 36 DILO AND THE ISLE OF THE GODS SERIALISATION ...... 37 Chapter 18 ...... 37 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR ...... 38
SINCE COMPLETING THIS MAGAZINE, WE HAVE RECEIVED THE TERRIBLE NEWS ABOUT THE DISASTER IN JAPAN. WE HAVE HEARD FROM FRIENDS OF IDW THAT THEY ARE SAFE ALTHOUGH DEALING WITH THE TRAGEDY AS IT UNFOLDS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THOSE STILL IN THE AFFECTED AREA.
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TRIBUTE
A Personal Tribute to Jackie and Terry Connell by Horace Dobbs, Honorary Director of International Dolphin Watch Without the unstinting support of Jackie and Terry you would not be reading this magazine. Jackie and Terry Connell are one of the most generous married couples I know. The seed of our friendship was sown in 2000. Jackie was driving home from her work as a secretary at the Open University in Milton Keynes. I was at BBC Broadcasting House in London doing a live interview on my latest book Dolphin Healing with Johnny Walker on his Drive Time Show. Jackie was listening in her car. Jackie later told me: “When I arrived home I rushed indoors and told Terry to switch on the radio.” When the interview was finished Jackie told Terry: “I’ve got to make contact with Horace Dobbs.” We meet a short time later on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas where Rebecca Fitzgerald was running a Dolphinswim programme. Seeing the release of emotional tensions and the sheer joy that every member of Rebecca's group experienced when they swam with pods of excited, friendly, wild dolphins opened a door into another world for Jackie.
Swimming with friendly wild dolphins changed Jackie's life
As soon as she got back to England Jackie set about organising a DOLPHIN HEALING CONFERENCE at the Open University. Rebecca Fitzgerald, Bill Bowell, a chronic depressive whose story I told in Dolphin Healing, Richard Connibear (father of Alexander who was born with cerebral palsy and Founder of The Alexander Trust) were key speakers at the conference. Surrounding the theatre auditorium were dolphin balloons creating a lovely warm ambience. Bill Bowell brought the audience to tears of emotion when he spoke about his dolphin “healing” experience. Following the conference Jackie said “I was so delighted to have brought everyone together for this happy occasion and to explore further the healing power of dolphins”. After the conference Richard Connibear invited Jackie and Terry to become Trustees of The Alexander Trust registered charity. It was during this time that they saw first-hand the struggles that some parents went through to get essential support for their special needs children. And that the parents themselves often needed caring for as much as their children.
3 At the time, with the energetic, networking support of Shinina Fernandez, I was working on my Dolphin Dome Project. Jackie immediately offered to help the voluntary group searching to create an interactive sensory environment inside which families could have a virtual dolphin healing experience. And thereby make dolphin healing universally available without the need for captive dolphins. One of the most fruitful avenues we were exploring was to use an inflatable dome as a mobile planetarium being developed by an ex physics school teacher Ray Worthy. I vividly recall the demonstration Ray Worthy gave in a village hall. We all sat in a circle inside gazing at the stars marvelling at what a short time before had been a sheet plastic dome packed into a holdall. Jackie was very excited and burst into song. Jackie was so inspired by the benefits that dolphins could bring into our lives that she offered to organise another conference for International Dolphin Watch at the Open University in Milton Keynes. The conference that took place from 5-6th December 2005 brought together specialists in science, nature and the arts from around the world to: EXPLORE THE HEALING POWER OF DOLPHINS and to: Integrate Health, Education, Research and Conservation. Jackie persuaded Ginger Gilmour, www.gingerart.net, who currently has an exhibition of her work on display at the Art People Gallery in San Francisco, to bring to the university a collection of her spiritually inspired sculptures. Horace and Ginger with Ginger‟s powerful sculpture, Dolphina on stage at the Berrill Lecture Theatre, Open Dolphina, dominated the stage and University, Milton Keynes. infused the auditorium with the feelings of dolphin love and joy that motivated the sculptor when she was creating it. Ginger‟s large angel sculpture Aeriel was put on display in the chapel in the grounds of the university. Here delegates could take time out from the presentations and workshops, listen to soothing music, experience the beauty of the angel sculpture, feel at peace with themselves and contemplate the significance of the many events that were taking place outside. The conclusion of the conference, which was filmed and shown on Anglia TV, was a demonstration of the prototype Dolphin Dome which was spectacularly flipped by Ray Worthy and deflated in a few seconds leaving the bemused circle of delegates still sitting on the ground in the entrance to theAeriel hall, sculpturegazing upwards by Ginger at the ceiling. For a report of that conference and to view the Anglia TV item, click on:Gilmour http://www.idw.org/html/2003_conference_report.html The great success of the conference and the letters and Emails received revealing what a life changing experience it had been for many of the delegates and lecturers inspired Jackie to become more and more involved with IDW. So much so that she handed in her notice at the Open University. Her bosses, mostly professors, were very reluctant for Jackie to leave but recognised her dedication to her voluntary work and sponsored her by giving her The Rosie Thompson Award for Personal Development, enabling her to attend a course in London on Managing a Charity.
4 I soon understood why The Open University did not want to lose Jackie! Jackie is extremely efficient and a born organiser. Give her a job to do; and before you can say: “When will it be ready?” It‟s done. The Open University International Conference and other experiences inspired Jackie to want to help families she knew would benefit from encounters with FREE wild dolphins, coupled with complimentary activities. To achieve this she and Terry established a registered charity Operation Sunshine Family Therapy Programmes. www.operationsunshine.org. By dint of much hard work and the support of a few very loyal friends that continue to help, especially Sonya Sitton, Julie Kalaczi and Pat Schmidt, Jackie has since been able to take groups, including special needs families, to swim with FREE, wild dolphins and enjoy creative art and other healing activities on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Jackie made friends with many of the islanders on her visits to Bimini with Operation Sunshine groups. One of them was the conservationist, poet, historian and school master Ashley Saunders. Over a period of years Ashley built a spectacularly beautiful house, the walls of which were decorated throughout with images of Dilo the Dolphin, created from shards of pottery, glass and tiles most of which were gathered from the beach.
Ashley Saunders with Horace Dobbs
Ashley always warmly welcomed and entertained Jackie and Terry and their Operation Sunshine Family Therapy Programme groups.
Note: Repeat programmes are not currently possible due to lack of sufficient funds but fundraising is ongoing and donations can be made through: http://www.operationsunshine.org/html/fundraising.html. Feedback and photographs from families that have benefited from this programme can also be seen on that web site.
Jackie joined IDW as a voluntary helper at a time of great change. Computers were taking over many of the tasks that previously had required human input. IDW’s meagre funds were dwindling.
Printed Newsletters, which were the corner stone of the organisation and took a lot of time and effort to produce, print and distribute, were no longer economic. More and more information was becoming available on the internet. The public wanted instant responses to their questions. At the time when IDW had to change - or go under - Jackie and Terry came to our rescue.
5 The solution we chose was to close the office and go paperless: With Kris Simpson, our dolphin expert, handling technical enquiries, Melanie Parker continuing to manage general secretarial work, and Jackie, taking over the Newsletter and Terry the web site. Members of IDW were all notified by post. There followed a few months for the change-over, which was sad for those members who had supported IDW since its early days and did not have computers. Nonetheless, they accepted that the change was unavoidable. And 1st August 2006 became E Day – the day we went electronic and our first E Newsletter produced by Jackie, went live on the web site. Jackie has produced a monthly newsletter ever since (supported by the many IDW members and friends worldwide that have contributed their stories and news). At first we thought we could raise the revenue necessary for survival by charging for electronic Newsletters. But it didn‟t work. Network users had become accustomed to getting news and information free of charge. So with the generous support of Terry and Jackie we dropped the charge and requested donations. And that is how we stand to-day. At the same time Jackie was helping IDW she was researching her family tree and discovered that some of her forbears came from New Zealand. During her searches Jackie had powerful recurrent dreams of a sub tropical location beside the sea. Tours of the Land of the Long White Cloud led Jackie and Terry in their search for the source of Jackie‟s dreams to the North Island of New Zealand. Jackie found the very place she was looking for in a beautiful setting. This discovery consolidated the Connell‟s yen to spend their winter months somewhere warmer than in England.
The outcome was that Terry and Jackie bought a property beside the sea in Cable Bay in the Far North region of Doubtless Bay where they now spend half the year, returning to England for the spring and summer months. But being Jackie she doesn‟t spend her time just strolling along the beach picking up shells. Although she does do that of course, Jackie uses these moments of peaceful contemplation to generate the creative energy she needs to continue her work for her charity, Operation Sunshine Family Therapy Programmes, and International Dolphin Watch.
Terry‟s first job was as a telephone engineer. This gave him exactly the right qualifications and experience that have since enabled him to embrace the wonders of the latest computer technology and manage the International Dolphin Web site. He also set up Jackie‟s laptop to connect up with her innumerable contacts
6 wherever she is in the world. And it is on her lap top that Jackie compiled the first IDW electronic Newsletter which has since blossomed into the new style IDW MAGAZINE. Frankly I am utterly amazed at how she does it. I certainly couldn‟t. When I asked Jackie why she is so dedicated she replied: “I just feel it is my life’s mission. And I do it for the love of it.” Now that’s a sentiment I can understand. So I am taking this opportunity to thank her and Terry with all my heart for the incomparable work they do to support IDW whose declared purpose is: TO HELP DOLPHINS AND PEOPLE.
EDITORIAL
The Day Dolphins came to Cable Bay Far North of New Zealand My thanks go to Horace for his kind words and sentiments. It is through his inspiration and guidance that has put me on this wonderful dolphin journey to help dolphins and people worldwide. As Horace wanted to include his heartwarming tribute in this issue, I would like to include stories from friends around the world showing how dolphins have also helped release emotional tensions and brought sheer joy into their lives as they have for me – I hope you enjoy the stories and pictures in this issue. We never know what life is going to throw at us and Terry and I were certainly not prepared for what was to come after receiving Horace‟s Tribute for the February issue of DOLPHIN. After going to our local hospital with severe back pain following a boat trip out at Doubtless Bay, on the night of 15th February Terry was helicoptered to Auckland Hospital for emergency surgery for a leaking ascending aortic aneurism. We have been blessed by many messages of love and best wishes from family and friends around the world that have helped us through this very worrying time. Due to all the fantastic medical team, caring and support from many, Terry‟s surgery went well and 2 weeks later he was back home recuperating when on 4th March the dolphins appeared just off the beach in front of our house at Cable Bay. We have often seen the dolphins swimming by but on this occasion they stayed for over 2 hours, obviously enjoying their visit as much as the humans that had gathered along the beach to watch the activities and swim with the dolphins. This was a very special experience and just what was needed to lift our spirits after such a worrying couple of weeks. View from our deck when the dolphins came to play.
7 We were able to watch the activities from our deck for a while before joining the residents and tourists that had gathered on the beach. Everyone watched in amazement, excitement and awe as the large bottlenose dolphins swam with the people and surfed the waves just a few yards off the beach. During this time I met Rebecca Maria, Programming Creator for Doubtless Bay Family Radio. Rebecca explained to me that Doubtless Bay Family Radio is a community radio station that has been broadcasting for 5 years from Kaeo to the Cape of New Zealand. Weekly shows include 'School News' with Rebecca Maria connecting with all the local schools in the area to find out what our kids are learning and what activities they are enjoying. Voices of the North is an hour long interview show with host John Haines who discovers what amazing people are living in the Doubtless Bay area. Music includes Diamonds in the Dust with Mac the Night with some magnificent music you have never heard before and also drama with Theatre of the Mind. Every Sunday includes Afternoon Classics - an audio book program with classic novels read by famous actors. This is just a short taste of what this community radio station has to offer and I felt privileged to be given the opportunity to share on radio this dolphin encounter at Cable Bay and the work of International Dolphin Watch (the interview going live on Thursday 17th March at 3pm. The frequency is 103.5FM in Doubtless Bay, 107.3 in Kaitaia and 88.3 in Kaeo and Whangaroa). The Radio Station can be contacted on [email protected] or for those not living in Doubtless Bay you can Email me for a copy of the interview: [email protected]. Others sharing this day were a very excited and emotional couple as they came out of the water after swimming with the dolphins. Here is their report: Our Dolphin Encounters in Doubtless Bay
By Sandra Hackurtz (photos by Pierre Kirschbaum) We still cannot believe it. Lucky us! Our first trip to New Zealand, first time that we went to see dolphins and then, within the first two weeks of being in New Zealand we saw those beautiful mammals two days in a row, one day more lucky then the next. But let‟s start with the first day. On 3rd March my boyfriend Pierre Kirschbaum and I booked a tour to swim with dolphins with the family business of Vanessa of Carino Sailing & Dolphin Adventures. Very quickly after we were heading into the bay, Vanessa told us that dolphins were ahead and that we could swim with them as no babies were around. Excited like little kids, everyone threw their bathing suits on waiting to hop into the water with the dolphins. Before we went out to swim with them the dolphins swam very close to the boat, under our feet that we had already stuck out into the water, as we were prepared to get into the sea. Obviously that day they were not that much into swimming with tourists, but rather in the mood to play with the boat as once we were in the water the dolphins moved on. “Fair enough” we thought and so we watched them swimming with the boat for a while and then left them for lunch. The next morning, we decided to drive along Doubtless Bay – and what can I say – it probably was one of the best decisions in our lives! On the road along the beach Pierre spotted a group of Dolphins swimming along very close to the beach at Cable Bay. There was no
8 hesitation, we turned the car as fast as we could, jumped into our bathing suits and rushed towards the water. That day the dolphins were very much interested in playing with us. We were only in the water for a couple of minutes, making high noises to make them curious, and the dolphins came to us. They jumped out of the water to see us, dove underneath of us and every once in a while they used a wave to surf in it towards the beach and then came back to us. After about a quarter of an hour we were getting cold and so swam back to just watch the dolphins that were hanging out in the bay for at least two more hours. I don‟t know how unlikely it is, that we were in the bay for this very rare moment, but I appreciate every second of it. What’s left to say? Nothing can be as beautiful as seeing a wild dolphin in the sea where he belongs coming to us out of free will. That’s how I want to see them. That’s how I will remember them.
The Dolphin Song In Horace Dobbs‟ book Dolphin Healing, he wrote a memorial to Konoe Ishizaki, one of the co-founders of the Ki and Dolphin Healing Centre who was born at the Myoren-ji Temple in Kyoto, and died there on 9 August 1999. At 10.00pm on 26 November 1993, two weeks before the Dolphin Healing Centre opened, Konoe had a vision in which the dolphins gave her the following message:
Good evening! The fact is that you were born here to come and play a ‘life’ game. Be generous enough to play with anybody whom you encounter and also with those who say something nasty. You are all playfellows. There are humorous people and there are people who are not so humorous. Imagine that all of you are enjoying the game together. Some play a role of disliked person, some play a role of clown. Everybody has a role. Konoe was a channel through which dolphin love and joy flowed. She and her husband Kokyo passed it on to those who came to the Dolphin Healing Centre. Konoe was inspired by dolphins in many ways. She wrote Iruka No Uta (The Dolphin Song). Actually, she said the dolphins wrote the song, and that she was merely the channel. The question of copyright therefore did not arise. To listen to the song go to: http://www.idw.org/assets/applets/A_Song_Of_Iruka.wma. Horace said “I was deeply moved when Kokyo Ishizaki sent me, after his wife died, a mini CD of Iruka No Uta. It was packaged with typical Japanese delicacy and included a misty picture of his wife as a beautiful young woman beneath a lacy parasol”.
I PRAY THAT THE DOLPHINS’ MESSAGE OF LOVE AND JOY WILL SPREAD AROUND JAPAN AND UNITE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
Jackie
9 Jackie and Terry visit the Whaling Museum at Butler Point Butler Point is a privately owned 26 hectare property in the Far North of New Zealand's North Island. Over the last three decades the proprietors of Butler Point, Lindo and Laetitia Ferguson, have developed the property into a macadamia orchard and one of the Far North's most fascinating heritage tourism destinations. Butler Point is a 40 minute drive from Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, and just 15 minutes from the picturesque township of Mangonui, centre of the Doubtless Bay region. The Point can also be reached by a 150 metre boat trip from Mangonui. Butler Point, Mangonui has a diversity of interests for visitors. A lived in and restored 1840s house, a garden of significance, magnificent pohutukawas and a Whaling Museum.
After a very informative and interesting tour of the whaling museum guided by Jan Ferguson,
Lindo, Laetitia Ferguson with their daughter Jan welcomed Jackie and Terry to their home at Butler Point and were interested in the work of International Dolphin Watch. They were . presented with Dilo Books by Horace Dobbs, Founder and Honorary Director of IDW
Butler Point
Taupo Bay
Cable Bay, Mangonui
There is a paucity of knowledge amongst New Zealanders and many are surprised when a window of opportunity is available to look at a very interesting aspect of the New Zealand whaling heritage. A large number of overseas visitors can relate to a whaling heritage. Mangonui is where two cultures came together at a thriving sheltered port. William Butler arrived here and in the absence of any formal administrative structure and took on a lot of responsibilities. Originally a whaling captain he became a trader with his warehouse on the Butler Point property. A good relationship was established with the local Maori people and increasingly whaleships were calling into Mangonui. There are records of up to 30 American whaleships in the harbour at one time.
10 The Whaling Museum is one of the most comprehensive private museums of its kind in New Zealand. Although never a whaling port, Mangonui and Butler Point have strong historical ties with the whaling industry. In 1792 the American whaleship captain Eber Bunker made the first recorded visit by a white person to Mangonui and Butler Point. Bunker and other whaling captains probably had contact with local Maori.
Butler Point with Mangonui in the background
Department of Conservation archaeological excavations on the pa (hillfort) at Butler Point have uncovered such items of non-Maori manufacture as clay pipe pieces and glass bottle fragments. Artefacts belonging to local Maori are displayed by their courtesy in the Museum.
William Butler, who built Butler House and developed extensive Gardens at Butler Point, was a former whaling captain. On Butler Point he constructed a trade store from which he supplied visiting whaling ships. Butler also advertised a service recruiting crew for whaleships.
Butler Point Whaling Museum has been developed to commemorate the close association of the Point and Mangonui with whaling. Exhibits represent almost 30 years obtaining authentic items associated with the whaling industry. Pieces have been sourced from New Zealand, Australia and North America. Together they represent one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. Among the items on display in the Museum are a
refurbished ship's whaleboat; a reconstructed tryworks; examples of whalebone; a large range of harpoons and cutting in equipment; paraphernalia associated with shipboard life, including a full set of ship's surgical instruments; old prints and photographs of aspects of the whaling industry; and models of whaleships and whaleboats. Many of us are unhappy about current day whaling but we have to recognise in those days there was no oil for lighting and nothing to make candles with. Whale oil was very valuable and was used primarily for lighting and lubrication for machinery. Whaling was a huge highly respected industry across the globe. You can visit the Museum at Butler Point, the house and beautiful gardens by appointment. Email: [email protected] or visit http://www.butlerpoint.co.nz/ for further information.
11 EDUCATION, INSPIRATION, ACTION, ACHIEVEMENT is the slogan for International Dolphin Watch in 2011
EDUCATION
The IDEAL Road
Melanie Parker continues the story of how Horace Dobbs pioneered a radical new approach to education as part of his mission: To help dolphins help people help dolphins.
IDEAL (Integrated Dolphin Education And Learning)
IDEAL is the application of scientific logic to education based on our understanding of the unique bond between humans and dolphins that makes encounters, both real and virtual, with these delightful, intelligent
mammals, imprint themselves in our memories.
The concept of IDEAL first started to take shape in the mind of Dr Horace Dobbs in the 1980‟s following his observation that everyone who had an encounter with a wild dolphin never forgot the experience. For many those encounters brought life changing experiences. This discovery was validated by a recent BBC poll which posed the question: “What would you most like to do before you die?” “Go swimming with dolphins,” came right at the top of the list of answers.
Fungie, the friendly Ambassador Dolphin in Dingle Bay, had a profound influence on the lives of countless peoples. And still does today - over 20 years later. Photo from Dance to a Dolphin’s Song by Horace Dobbs
12 DILO PUBLICATION PROJECT (DPP2000) The next step forward in the genesis of IDEAL took place in 2000 with the Dilo Publication Project (DPP2000), a co-operative business venture devised by Horace, between Hessle High School and International Dolphin Watch. Details of the project were posted in the school in July 2000. Seventeen Year 10 students volunteered to take part. They were each given copies of Dilo and the Call of the Deep and Dilo Makes Friends and asked to critically appraise a draft manuscript of the next book in the series Dilo and the Treasure Hunters during their summer holidays. Upon their return to school in September as Year 11 students the DPP2000 team met for “business lunches” with Horace as Chairman in an improvised “Board Room” This extracurricular activity was an addition to their intensive studies for their forthcoming O‟Level exams. The Educational aspect of DPP2000 was designed to gives students an insight into the many and diverse creative processes that are necessary before an idea for a new product can become a reality. The team was given a lecture on a newly developed business venture in Hull University Business Park. Jobs were then allocated according to the interests and aptitudes of the students. For instance a boy aiming for a job in finance was given the task of setting up a business bank account. And a girl with a talent for art designed a project logo in which the IDW symbol of a dolphin with its mother was introduced into the school badge. A news reporter gave the team a talk on the importance of publicity for the promotion of a new product. This resulted in the young entrepreneurs giving enthusiastic interviews on BBC Radio Humberside and Yorkshire Television. Some members of the DPP2000 team visited Redcliff Studios in Hessle where they were shown the presses in action printing pages of Dilo and the Treasure Hunters before they were sent away for perfect binding.
The DPP 2000 Team with Horace Dobbs in the front centre, flanked by John Riley, Head of English, on his left and Richard Lee, the Managing Director of Re dcliff Print and Design Studios, on his right. Head Master, David Rose is with his students in the back row.
13 An element of the DPP2000 Project that Horace imparted to the team from the start was his desire to show that success can be achieved without following the ruthless, cut-throat, price-cutting ethos that dominates many big businesses in which eliminating the competition is seen as the way to success. This he argued leads to stress in the work place. And feelings of failure if targets are not achieved. Horace agreed that in the real world setting and achieving objectives was necessary for most businesses to succeed. And a degree of friendly competition was a good stimulus. But co-operation was equally important. As far as Horace was concerned the most important aim of DPP2000 was to demonstrate to the group some of the challenges they might face when they left full time education. And to show them by firsthand experience that the serious business of going out to work would be a challenge. But at the same time it should and could be an enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding experience. For Horace, the eternal optimist, the DPP2000 Project was certainly all of these things – and more.
The launch of Dilo and the Treasure Hunters was celebrated with a film show in the main school hall.
DPP2000 terminated at the end of December 2000 making a modest profit that was used to plant trees in the Lower School.
Note from the Editor: In the next issue of DOLPHIN, Melanie will reveal how when the sales team took the book into schools they made a big discovery that led to Horace setting up the Dolphin Education Research Project.
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News
Sea Shepherd Interrupts Illegal Whale Slaughter The Nisshin Maru approaches the Gojira at full speed. Photo: Simon Ager The Sea Shepherd scout vessel Gojira found the illegal Japanese whaling ship Sea Shepherd calls the Cetacean Death Star at 2115 NZST on February 9th. The Nisshin Maru was caught in the process of unlawfully flensing a whale on their aft deck at the position of 74 degrees 16 minutes south and 149 degrees 2 minutes west. The Gojira immediately gave chase as the Nisshin Maru attempted to escape by entering a field of ice. The Gojira attempted to block the huge factory ship to buy time for the Bob Barker to arrive from some 28 miles away. Captain Locky MacLean engaged the Nisshin Maru in a skirmish, and notified the Japanese whalers that they were not to continue their illegal whaling. The Nisshin Maru seemed to be engaged in flensing operations at the time it was discovered. Work lights illuminated the deck as water was being flushed over the sides and brown- red stains were visible along the aft deck of the vessel around the scuppers/ drain holes, while black smoke bellowed from the factory smoke stack. Crewmembers observe the Nisshin Maru from the bow of the Bob Barker. Photo: Gary Stokes The Gojira was stopped in an area of growlers and floe ice as the Nisshin Maru proceeded to bear down on her. Despite several VHF calls to alter course, the Nisshin Maru closed in on the Gojira. When the Nisshin Maru was 40 meters away, Captain MacLean fired a flare to signal the Nisshin Maru to alter course. The Japanese factory ship altered course to starboard, as the Gojira slid 20 meters down her port side. At 0220 on February 10th, the Nisshin Maru and one of the harpoon boats entered thick pack ice after several hours of zigzagging through loose floe ice. The Gojira kept up skirting the ice edge, meeting the Nisshin Maru on the far side of each floe using her speed advantage. The Nisshin Maru proceeded to the south towards an area of pack ice. It appeared as if the Gojira was about to lose the factory ship in the thick ice when the Bob Barker arrived just in time to take over the pursuit. At 0400 hours, the Bob Barker placed itself immediately aft to the stern slipway of the Nisshin Maru to block any further attempts to offload dead whales. The Bob Barker is now easily pursuing the Nisshin Maru through thick pack ice with the Gojira continuing to skirt around the ice looking for harpoon vessels. The Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin departed from Wellington, New Zealand at 1800 hours on February 9th and is expected to meet up with the Sea Shepherd fleet and the Japanese whaling fleet in about five days. The Bob Barker needs to hold position on the stern of the Nisshin Maru until the Steve Irwin can assist it. By blocking the stern slipway, the factory ship is unable to load dead whales from the harpoon vessels, allowing Sea Shepherd to effectively shut down their illegal whaling operations.
The Nisshin Maru approaches the stern of the stopped Gojira. Photo: Simon Ager 15 An Early End to Japan’s Whaling Season, and What It Means for Dolphins
22nd February 2011 by David Phillips, Save Japan Dolphins
By Ric O’Barry Campaign Director Save Japan Dolphins Earth Island Institute It‟s official. The Japanese government has recalled its whale-killing fleet from Antarctica, citing interference from activists from Sea Shepherd. The withdrawal is a resounding victory for whales and all the organizations working to stop Japan‟s killing of whales and dolphins. It has also sent shock waves through the notorious and politically powerful Japan Fisheries Agency. Even Japan‟s mafia, the Yakuza, has used the whaling issue to vilify foreigners and the influence of environmentalists. Many of our allies in Japan have been regularly intimidated by the combined power of the government and the extreme nationalist groups. But while Japanese Fisheries Agency has maintained that it would never stop its Antarctic whale killing, it has now done just that. The impacts on the entire whaling and dolphin-killing policies of Japan are in flux. Without question, the relentless and building internal and external pressure on Japan to change is working. It is now seriously doubtful that Japan will be able to send the fleet back to Antarctica again. The Cove movie and our work in Taiji, combined with scientific rebukes regarding Japan‟s irresponsible global killing of whales, dolphins, sharks, and bluefin tuna are changing the landscape.
The issue of the Japanese dolphin slaughter is no longer a big secret. I used to plead with Japanese media to write a single line, but since last year the media now chases me for the story.
The Japanese public is also changing. The older generation that consumed whale meat is rapidly passing. Despite government denial of concern about mercury poisoning, the public is rejecting buying whale and dolphin meat. Consumption has gone down an astonishing 30% just in the past year, mostly, we have been told by insiders, due to mercury concerns among consumers and grocers.
Whale meat is now piling up in storage freezers – an astonishing 5,670 tons, the most ever. The government is desperately trying to get rid of whale meat through offering it to school lunch programs and other gimmicks.
Japan‟s whaling and dolphin-killing machines have been so badly battered in the past year that discussions are being raised in high circles as to whether it is worth it.
But our response must be clear. We must redouble our efforts and intensify pressure inside and outside Japan. We must fight strenuously against any effort by the Japanese government to step-up killing of dolphins and whales in order to replace the losses from their failed Antarctic operations.
Please go to our Action Page to get involved, and encourage your friends, neighbors, and family to do so as well: http://www.savejapandolphins.org/take-action/support-us-on-the-frontlines-in-japan
Tears for the Land of the Rising Sun
By Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
14th March 2011 http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/editorial-110314-1.html
16 107 Pilot Whales Stranded in New Zealand
Dolphin-killing film in Japanese sent to Taiji
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FRIENDS’ NEWS
Entering the Humpback Whale Sanctuary By Gail Condrick Content review/approval by Conlin
Silver Bank whale photos courtesy of Atmo Kubesa, Wildquest.
In March 1987 Captain Tom Conlin sailed through Silver Bank Marine Sanctuary headed to St. Maarten to meet his next dive boat charter. He navigated by the color of the sea and instinct, manoeuvring through the dangers that have sunk many ships. From the bow, he watched an ocean full of movement and heard the tell tale “PUH!” of humpback whales surfacing to breathe. He was in the middle of the densest concentration of humpback whales in the North Atlantic, a 200 mile area off the coast of the Dominican Republic where 3000 humpbacks migrate to give birth and mate. “We were very lucky,” he remembers. “Coral heads don‟t show up on navigational charts and there are a lot of boats sunk there. Whales were everywhere, mothers and calves, male escorts fighting for their places next to a female. So we followed them around for a while and we watched them and they watched us. They were curious about us too, so, I had this idea, what would it be like to bring people to meet whales, up close, eye to eye, right in the water?” It was a trip and a concept that changed his life and the lives of many others. Today Conlin, a photographer, educator, and honorary naturalist, estimates 50,000 people have shared his vision of meeting whales worldwide. His company, Aquatic Adventures, is one of three permitted to enter the Sanctuary during the 12-week birthing and mating season. At first there was concern from environmentalists that human interaction would disturb the endangered humpbacks. Negotiations from all sides created strict rules of operation, limiting access and creating guidelines for engagement with whales that came largely from Conlin‟s experience. “Some environmentalists did not like this idea, and there was pressure from groups who now look at us as a model,” he states. “Many areas allow scientific research in marine sanctuaries but this is the only area in the world, other than Tonga, where people who are not scientists can experience whales right in the water.” Meeting the Humpback Whales Many people find both adventure and a spiritual aspect to encounters with humpback whales. The owners of Wildquest, Amlas and Atmo Kubesa, an eco-travel company specializing in human and wild dolphin interactions in the Bahamas, team with Conlin for an annual one-week whale encounter each season. The twenty spots are quickly filled by people from all over the world. Anchored at the Silver Bank, we see humpbacks breeching on the horizon and swimming close to the boat. In a daily educational briefing we learn about whales and that we are guests in this underwater world. We are not pursuing whales, we are there to experience a “soft in-water encounter,” a phrase that will become a metaphor for the week. When we find a whale who is curious or tolerant or both, we will slip into the ocean making as little noise as possible, forming a human chain parallel to the whales. We motor out in tenders twice a day searching for the water plume of breath used to locate the whales. Sometimes the mother, who can stay submerged for 20 minutes, settles on the bottom and allows us to be close to her calf. A baby, the size of a mini-van at birth, surfaces every five minutes to breathe. Viewing him underwater, we see a twisting turning dance that is all fin and rolling play as he learns to control his body.
18 He rises 30 feet to the surface for air and then dives down to rest under the chin of his mother.
For Matt McCord of Venice, Florida, the first sight of the baby whale was surprisingly sudden. “I was amazed at the immediacy of the calf coming up to see us,” he says, “I was in the water five to ten seconds when he came over. Both mother and calf swam close to me and I will always remember that moment.”
“Can you imagine offering your precious baby to be viewed and interact with another mammal not of your species? For me it is unthinkable," says Andrea Oeschey, a German mother of two. "What kind of power, trust, faith, and connection would that moment require?" An in-water encounter is exhilarating and exciting. The heart pounds, the mind cannot believe the size of the whales. It is like watching a movie in slow motion, and only the sound of my rapid breathing assures me this is real. As the mother begins to surface and slowly glides by our group, each person is certain she has looked only at them. “I looked into the eye of a humpback whale and she looked at me and I felt such love and acceptance,” reminisces Kate Cain-Bell of Pennsylvania. Viewing the whales is not always a slow and tender interaction. Females are here to give birth; males are looking for mates. Fighting over a female can turn a calm ocean into a rolling racetrack battlefield. The female whale, larger and faster than the males, is in the lead protected by her escort and pursued by challengers. We are travelling parallel to the whales at top speed as Conlin calls out locations. “Escort is moving up to 5 o‟clock, diving down, now look, Challenger is gaining at 3 o‟clock, submerging. Where are they? They are all down and diving, this could get bloody. I‟ve seen dorsal fins torn half off in these battles. Look! There they are, going west, fast!” He says as we break off and watch the chase from a distance. New Sanctuary Relationships Humpback whales begin migrating north in April with satellite tracking charts revealing some head to Europe, but most travel 1500 miles to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary near Massachusetts. Here they feed, grow, and prepare for the next year of migration, providing a profitable whale watching business, a dramatic shift for an area historically supported by whale hunts. It has even led to a unique Sister Sanctuary program between the United States and the Dominican Republic to protect humpbacks on both ends of the route. Protecting whales makes humanitarian, scientific and economic sense as whale watching becomes a big business. Greenpeace claims that 87 countries generate one billion dollars each year from whale watching. The Dominican Republic receives an estimated $5.2 million a year from eco-tourism with the Silver Bank Sanctuary key to success. But the impact on meeting whales eye to eye transcends money. “I am going to be more proactive in the preservation of our swimming cousins,” says Canadian Mark Daniel after his Wildquest trip. “I want to be someone making a difference in protecting whales.” Action may be needed. Humpback whales are currently protected by the International Whaling Commission as an endangered species, but as the numbers increase several countries, most notably Japan and Iceland, want to resume whaling. 19 Over 20 years ago Tom Conlin took a turn that became a calling. “I am meant to introduce people to whales; people who have this experience will do more for whales and step forward to protect them. This started as my love for whales, and now I am working with film makers, scientists, organizations and individuals who want this same experience.” It is said that looking into the eye of a whale is like looking into the eye of God. The magic is what happens to you when God looks back. Note from the Editor Gail Condrick has taken four trips to the Silver Bank and now leads classes and retreats in personal transformation. For more information, contact her at www.niavisions.com. To learn more about eco-travel adventures with whales and dolphins, contact www.aquaticadventures.com or www.wildquest.com. Wildquest Adventure Retreats http://www.wildquest.com/Adventures/humpback-whales.html The time has come to expand the WildQuest vision. To bring awareness and meditation to other parts of the world, keeping in focus the joy that happens when we connect - with like-minded fellow human travelers, with marine mammals, with animals in the wild, with the beauty of nature on this unique planet, and ultimately with ourselves. This vision has been built up over the years here at WildQuest, connecting with the dolphins in their natural habitat in a way that is as respectful and non-invasive as possible. Creating a safe and caring environment where we can expand, relax, re-connect with ourselves and the wonder and mysteriousness of life. After so many years of playing with these incredible wild dolphins here in Bimini we are moving ahead and would like to offer you some alternative WildQuest retreats. Atmo and Amlas – WildQuest Directors The WildQuest Humpback Whales Retreat Program offers you a group retreat experience shared intimately with a small number of like-hearted souls, letting go and relaxing, connecting on a daily basis with wild, free Humpback Whales. As you experience the vastness of the ocean and sky in its timelessness and simplicity, you'll feel nurtured and supported – and thus gain deeper access to your inner world.
Green Cities Foundation Ashley Dobbs speech about the Green Cities Foundation at the London Social Brilliance conference on the 22nd of February 2011 Green Cities Foundation Social Brilliance speach by Ashley Dobbs www.youtube.com “Unless we change the way we live the Planet will almost certainly become uninhabitable for most of mankind. Cities currently occupy only 2% of the World’s land mass yet use 75% of the World’s resources. Billions of people need decent homes in a form which is sustainable. This website sets out how TOGETHER we can create cities harmless to Earth”: http://web.me.com/ashley.dobbs/green_cities_foundation/green_cities_foundation_home.html Email Ashley Dobbs: [email protected]
20 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Helped By Dolphins
By Claire Fagan
It was a day of change on January 13th 2011; a horrific clip was shared on the internet of a tragic event that occurred in Taiji. After witnessing this clip something inside me thought „I can‟t sit back any longer and just watch this happening‟, I wanted to help. I started researching on the internet, I wasn‟t even sure what I was researching for but I kept persisting. I had noticed that the stories I was stumbling across were stories of Dolphins helping people or people actually being saved by Dolphins. I thought perhaps a helpful route of raising awareness to the plight of Dolphins would be to collate as many personal stories or events that people have encountered from around the world. This I hope may bring attention to the fact that Dolphins are not just mammals to be viewed in captivity or as a marine resource for other countries. Maybe a different approach of bringing everyone together who has had a real and positive experience with dolphins, perhaps we could help be the voice of the Dolphins - their voice through stories that people have experienced. I aired this view on a couple of pages on face book and had a wonderful message from a special person who is now supporting the page with me. My new friend showed confidence in the idea and through discussion and countless hours of research on the internet I thought it would be a great idea to share stories and encourage real people with real stories to voluntarily share on a face book page and from this „Helped by Dolphins‟ was born. The 'Helped by Dolphins' aim is to raise awareness regarding the positive actions and compassion Dolphins and Whales have offered human kind (and other species) by doing this we can help to be their voice. Helped by Dolphins was created by two people who are passionate about making a positive change. I would like to focus on positive news and articles on how Dolphins and Whales help people. Our world is filled with opportunities and we all need to be interested in looking ahead and consider how we can help others see a better approach and produce a more peaceful world. Destruction of the old ideas and rebirth of new ideas, we are free to change it. Please take a few moments to view the following: http://www.facebook.com/helpedbydolphins http://helpedbydolphins.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/Dolphin_Stories
21 A dolphin experience that I will NEVER forget!
By Maureen Meeks
We were anchored in Smokehouse Bay on Great Barrier Island. It was a beautiful calm afternoon with very few other boaties around. A yacht appeared around the point and motored into the Bay followed by a pair of large dolphins. They proceeded to anchor and the dolphins stayed around their boat. One of the chaps aboard went in for a swim with them and then shouted across to encourage us to do the same. I was very wary as they were very large and not being a confident swimmer gave it some thought. Anyway, curiosity got the better of me and after grabbing the mask and snorkel, in I went. I stayed just off the stern of our yacht and floated in the water. As you can see from the picture they just swam round and
round me and were absolutely fascinating. The dolphins stayed in the bay for several hours and a few people went out in dinghies to get close to them and they didn't seem to mind at all.
It was a great experience and one I will never forget!
22
Nothing has been the same since that day a dolphin popped up in front of me
Photos and message from Leilani Tresise
It began 8 years ago... Being born and raised in Hawaii I have always loved the Ocean. On this bright , blue day i was treading water in my favorite bay when all of a sudden a dolphin popped up in front of me gave me a how yah doing look and then disappeared. It began 8 years ago... Being born and raised in Hawaii I have always loved the Ocean. On this bright , blue day I was treading water in my favorite bay when all of a sudden a dolphin popped up in front of me gave me a how yah doing look and then disappeared.
Nothing has been the same since that day. 8 years and countless hours later I am as spellbound by the dolphin now as I was that bright blue day. I‟ve seen them often since that day, swimming among them smiling and singing thru my snorkel, captivated by the joy and harmony that appears to travel with the pod. When a wild and free dolphin pulls up next to you in the open ocean and looks you straight in the eye with their eyes...your life is going to change. It‟s inevitable. Nothing prepares you for that moment. It is such a profound moment I still, even 8 years later, cannot find the words to describe it. Leilani Tresise
Beautiful film of Dog, wild dolphins and humans interacting with LOVE (What a beautiful world). http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fww w.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DnEUaRWBBMLM% 26feature%3Dplayer_embedded&h=f076c
23 Spinner Dolphins playing in Hawaii 25 of january 2011
By Marlis Bühler (author of Dolphin’s Dance – in the ocean of love) Today it was a beautiful day – sunny, clear water and a nice little breeze in Hawaii. I went out to the sea early in the morning and saw the dolphins in the first bay I went. I watched them from afar, connected to them from my heart to their heart and I felt the infinite dolphin love. At the same time I knew that I would not go in the water to swim with them. I heard the calling in me to go to the next bay, which was about 10 minutes away. I saw myself going out on my stand up paddle board to be out on the water – very peaceful, quiet and vast. So I did this and I saw far out some whales blowing their big blows. After about an hour I went back and decided to go for a nice swim. I met fishes, beautiful corals, turtles and other beings from the sea. And I was playing with the bubbles in the water – my hands made them while swimming. I was so happy and in a playful state that I forgot everything around me. That‟s when the dolphins surrounded me and started playing with me. They were all around me, swimming up and down, making some swirrels and I just had a huge smile on my face. Of course I understood the invitation of the dolphins and I played with them the leaf game. Two dolphins were juggling leaves on their nose and flippers and sometimes they dropped them off in the water. That was the moment when I tried to dive down and get the leaf. But the dolphins were faster. So I had to smile again and I told them mentally that they could bring the leaf up. And a little later they did so! A joyful and playful morning filled up with connection, love and respect. I felt very happy and blessed! Thank you, dear dolphins, for inviting me to play with you!
Marlis Bühler, author of the book, Dolphin’s dance – in the ocean of love.
Co-creator of the Dolphin Spirit Songs, where poems transformed into melody.
Hello dear human being
Are you also fascinated by dolphins? This website is about the love these sea creatures give us, the fascination they evoke in us and how they enrich my personal life, be it with their physical presence or be it in my dreams, thoughts and feelings.
For information go to www.dolphinlove.ch
24 Dolphins and Orca at Taupo Bay Thank you to Dan Goldsberry and his friends for these photos that were taken at Taupo Bay that just along the coastline from Cable Bay in the region of Doubtless Bay where the dolphins visited Jackie and Terry. Dan said the dolphins don’t come regularly but I would say every few weeks they pass through. The orcas come by only a couple or three times a year it seems.
25 Letters to the Editor Continued
Lian wrote "Sad to me that this organization was formed in 1978 and we are still battling the evil forces." Reply from Dr. Horace Dobbs, Founder and Honorary Director of International Dolphin Watch. Dear Friends of IDW Since IDW was formed in 1978, attitudes have Our recent work in Japan for the changed somewhat as a result of our greater dolphins just covered in the understanding of the needs of dolphins. But it's a Daily Mail UK: long term battle. The lady sitting next to me at a recent talk I gave to a Ladies Luncheon Club http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl was surprised when I told her dolphins were e-1354508/Japanese-dolphin-killings- mammals not fish. And that two fishes can exposed-hidden-video-year-The-Cove- produce hundreds of babies in a year, wheresas documentary.html dolphins may produce one if they are lucky. That The video released by Japanese citizens is why IDW is putting such a big emphasis on opposed to the cruelty of the dolphin EDUCATION. drive killings and determined to reveal Many parents and grandparents have told me that the lies of officials claiming these as well as enjoying the stories they have found killings are instant and humane, has out a lot about dolphins that they didn‟t know, by already been censored in Japan on You reading the Dilo books to their children and Tube! grandchildren. I've been able to repost on my site, but Most of the time we are not battling with evil we need help to keep this crucial video forces. We are battling with ignorance. Hence in circulation! the need for education. http://www.youtube.com/user/delfinusd elphis?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/_Lo0_V G8ecY Leah Lemieux
He used to hunt dolphins, now he leads dolphin tours -
join us in supporting him! Most of the time we are not battling with evil Mr. Ishii has done what we are asking the fishermenforces. in WeTaiji, are Japan, battling to do... with let ignorance.us thank him Hence and show him our support by sharing his informationthe need with for our education. Japanese and dolphin-loving friends...
Thank you!!! Joe Noonan
For information please see:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Izumi-Ishii-former-dolphin-hunter-leads-Wild-Dolphin-Tours-in- Japan/123475754390606 and http://homepage2.nifty.com/KOHKAIMARU/
Also see Page 9 of the January Issue DOLPHIN Magazine of International Dolphin Watch
26
ACTION
TOM AND MISHA JUMP FOR JOY
Photos (c) Born Free Foundation - SAD-DEMAG-Serpil Kozludere BACK TO THE BLUE The Born Free Foundation help return Misha and Tom to their natural home. For three months, Tom and Misha‟s home was the murky, contaminated waters of a dilapidated pool, in Hisaronu on Turkey‟s southern coast. Exploited for tourist „entertainment‟, their plight was desperate. Poor water quality quickly causes illness and death in dolphins. Sadly, captive dolphins and 'swim with dolphin' facilities are massive problems worldwide. Thousands of individual dolphins are exploited. They suffer from high mortality rates, low breeding success and psychological suffering. Dolphins are caught from the wild to bolster unsustainable captive populations. At Born Free we are determined to do everything we can to end keeping dolphins in captivity. Alerted to Tom and Misha's plight in Turkey in June 2010, Born Free immediately sent a team to investigate. Our Patron, Coronation Street star Helen Worth accompanied us. Shocked by what she saw, she helped spearhead our campaign to free them. “We feared for their welfare and their lives,” she explained. “Seeing Tom and Misha in their tiny pool made me realise how wrong this truly is. How can this tank in any way replicate their magnificent natural home?” Born Free was determined to give the dolphins a new life. We wanted to return them to their natural home. Over the summer, working with our project partners Dolphin Angels and SAD (Underwater Research Society) we continued to campaign to free the dolphins. The plight of the dolphins, Tom and Misha, made international news. Local campaign group, the Dolphin Angels, had arranged a massive Facebook protest and an ongoing street presence, calling for Tom and Misha‟s rescue. Water samples revealed massively high levels of harmful bacteria in the water. There was no time to lose. In mid-September a Born Free team arrived at Hisaronu to rescue Tom and Misha, whose health was rapidly deteriorating in the appalling conditions of the pool. Following a dramatic 48 hours of negotiations, they finally secured the dolphins‟ release. Dolphin Park agreed to transfer the dolphins into Born Free‟s care. They had permission to take them home. Home to the wild - Back to the Blue. For more information visit: www.bornfree.org.uk
HOW YOU CAN HELP! Adopt Tom and Misha to support their on-going care and rehabilitation AND receive a wonderful gift pack. For £30 you will receive a personalised certificate, photo-portrait of Tom and Misha, adoption papers with their full story, a notebook featuring your dolphins, updates about their progress, Born Free window sticker and a glossy Born Free folder.
27
http://www.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au/
Dolphin Swim Australia Sponsors Sydney Harbour Swim Classic for Charity
The unique community swim event for Sydney Harbour. Start and Finish from Man O'War Steps alongside Sydney Opera House. 3 swims are featured with teams competition and great prizes to be won. A classic Sydney morning of fun for all in front of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The 10th Anniversary Ord Minnett Sydney Harbour Swim Classic The 10th Ord Minnett Sydney Harbour Swim Classic provides an opportunity for the general public to compete in a community swim event on Sydney Harbour and is the only annual community event for swimmers starting from the Man'O'War steps heading towards Fort Denison, around Farm Cove and returning to the western pontoon of the Man'O'War steps, exiting the water via a purpose built ramp alongside the Sydney Opera House.
There are two races open to the public, the 1km Mini Swim Classic and the 2km Swim Classic. Schools, businesses and organisations are encouraged to
assemble a team, for more fun and chances to win prizes. This year sees the second running of the Ord Minnett Charity Sprint, an invitational swim that will bring stars of the past & present together to swim for charity. You can also swim for charity by going to Everyday Hero and starting your own fundraising drive. 28
A great morning of fun for all with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour as beautiful backdrops. Truly a swim to remember.
Further information on http://www.sydneyharbourswim.com/, © sydney harbour swim classic 2001- web design simon wilson 2011.
ACHIEVEMENT
Dilo the Dolphin Continues to Bring Joy to Children in Czech Republic
20th January 2011 “A Day in the Blue” at a primary school “Bratislavská” in Varnsdorf (Czech Republic)
Report by Delfíno, Non-Profit Organization In the December issue of the IDW Magazine Dolphin we informed you about the activities of primary school in Varnsdorf (Baking with Dolphins) to buy a Dilo Silk Cocoon for their school. The children bake, buy and sell and therefore learn new skills, including the value of money. On 20th January 2011 the day came when the Dilo Cocoon was washed and pressed and we are on our way to deliver the Dilo Cocoon to the school. Children and teachers totally surprised and amazed us. In the whole school were hundreds of dolphins of different shapes, sizes and colors. Everyone wore something blue. The idea of the sea and the underwater world was perfect. Delivery of the cocoon was attended by the whole school. The cocoon is the first in the class for the youngest children. Gradually it will go to all 5 classes.
Children were very creative. They recited poems about dolphins and as a small reward received Dilo balloons and Diploma.
After the opening ceremony we went to hang the cocoon. For the children it was a surprise since they saw it for the first time. The cocoon was painted with images from Dilo and the Call of the Deep by Horace Dobbs. Children and teachers work with the first book by Horace Dobbs - Dilo and the Call of the Deep.
Gradually we visited all 5 classes.
29 Valpurga told the children the story of the second book - Dilo Makes Friends, which has just been published in the Czech Republic. All the children were very interested in both books. Another big surprise was the scenic dance - music by Rene Král (music composed directly to individual chapters of the book Dilo and the Call of the Deep. The girls danced to the music: Dilo´s born and dolphin play. It was a wonderful experience.
The group of children prepared new poems inspired by the dolphins. In another class many children were inquisitive and asked questions about dolphins. We talked about the underwater world and experiences with wild dolphins. This year all children have a Dilo´s workbook. They write in this notes about the dolphins and also draw pictures here. Most experiences are inspired by reading the book about Dilo the dolphin.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
“A DAY IN THE BLUE” and “Kindergarten – Bílý Kostel nad Nisou“ reports from Delfíno are both fine examples of The IDEAL ladder of Achievement principle in action (see cover of January 2011 Magazine).
30 Dolphins were everywhere! The teacher works with children mainly in art. The children are developing the inspiration through the dolphins. Children love to create the sea world. One of the activities is painting on large format paper. But we also saw the Dolphinarium and water Zoo and talked about dolphins in captivity. For all of us it was very beautiful day full of surprises, love, understanding and hope for a better world!
Kindergarten – Bílý Kostel nad Nisou, Czech republic
The Ceremony and delivery of the Dilo Cocoon 1st February 2011
Report by Delfíno, Non-Profit-Organization, Czech Republic The day which we spent in kindergarten Bílý Kostel (White Church) was extraordinarily beautiful! The village Bílý Kostel was last year affected by devastating floods. Mostly adults are faced with long-term consequences of flooding. And therefore the lady director came up with an idea; get the children a Dilo cocoon.
31 The sphere of action in the Kindergarten is nature and its protection. From this year integrating to their program the topic - Dilo and the underwater world and the project IDEAL. The aim is to provide children a sound psychological background, which will also transmit to the families. The children in this case become great helpers in coping with difficult life situations. Children with dolphins are the best teachers and helpers.
While the children slept preparations took place in a pleasant mood. The Dilo cocoon was a great surprise for the children. The teachers worked intensively with the dolphins the entire week. The children looked so forward to our arrival. When the cocoon was in place the children immediately appeared to try out the cocoon. For everyone waiting they were given an inflatable Dilo dolphin balloon to take home.
First Valpurga showed the children where dolphins really live. The children of this time are very wise and have much knowledge of the underwater world and its inhabitants. But in any good underwater world swims a lot of colorful fishes. Therefore each received a colorful skirt and suddenly the whole kindergarten was full of beautiful 32 fishes. For children, to feel better underwater world, we showed them a short presentation with music. They looked at the pictures with great interest and enthusiasm. Then it was telling a story about a dolphin Dilo. Children are actively involved in telling the story… They helped dolphin Dilo to be born…and enjoyed a Mother's joy at the birth of her son. They learn where the dolphin breathing hole is and they took a deep breath.
In a relaxation they held meetings with a dolphin in the sea. On every right celebration there is a banquet. And when the "fishes" refresh, they still danced to music by Rene Král. Everyone was very happy.
At the end of the day was a meeting with parents.
We introduced them to our organization, Project IDEAL, cocoon, and the nature of work with the theme – Dilo and the underwater world.
The Schoolmistress has officially announced that the Cocoon will serve all people, not just children. For relaxation, to calm, to tune in to a nice feeling for ALL who need help.
Val, Dana (Delfino Founders) Irena Kostelencová and Jana Šindelářová (Managers)
33
RESEARCH
Birgit Baader researching ways to directly communicate and exchange information with cetaceans.
Dear Dr. Horace Dobbs/Friends of International Dolphin Watch
I am writing you today because I am researching ways to directly communicate and exchange information with cetaceans and I'd like to hear your opinion and advice. Maybe you know some of the answers I try to find ;) I just came back from yet another whale stranding (80 + long-finned pilot whales at Farewell Spit/South Island New Zealand, many of them died, the ones refloated were in bad condition as they re-stranded 3 times, splitting up in groups).
Golden Bay is like a giant trap, the ground gently sloping towards the sand spit. The low tide goes out far and fast... The whales – a lot of females and young ones (I counted 38 subadults, 11 females, 6 calves, 1 highly pregnant female in the groups I was involved with) – seemed to be very disoriented. After refloating them they kept coming back and stranded again – 3 days in a row. This happened before, in 2008 and 2006 (about 300 whales).
The more they re-strand the worse their condition, and the more stressed, hurt (internally and externally), and disoriented they are. When refloating them, we formed a big circle to herd them together, people would yell, and we were asked to put our hands on their melons to stop them from swimming out into sea before the “release sign” was given. From my feeling and observation these activities confused them even more! There were people in every direction making noise plus two boats behind them. The tide was at its highest point (about 1.60 m) when we finally moved them out and it took a long time before they actually headed out. The tide went already out – fast.
I have had many close encounters with whales and dolphins. I always experienced that they reacted directly and instantly to communication with thoughts and voice. I can ride my horses with thoughts. I can communicate with dogs and cats with thoughts. The whales reacted immediately to my thoughts. I am sure that you have similar experiences. What if humans would start to treat whales as sentient beings and communicate with them instead of assuming what is good for them and imposing it on them?
On this occasion, people and whales were exhausted and not really interacting. I would like to see people experiment with different ways. This can lead into new “guidelines” for conservational organizations worldwide and into better direct communication with whales and dolphins. As you have a lot of experience with cetaceans I am asking you for your expert opinion and your experiences and thoughts about this.
I communicated with some individuals (during the recent stranding as well as at other strandings) via sound (e.g. singing) and visualization (imagining things and they would follow, you could also call it telepathic communication) – and it worked very well. The whales actually settled down and followed my “mind tracks” as well as sending me “mind pictures” to tell me about themselves. They instantly and visibly reacted to the sound signals we humans made (singing and open communication – as you would with a fellow human who is facing a challenging situation). I have no doubts about the efficiency of these forms of communication, but I can see that the thought that you can actually communicate with whales like this is challenging for some people. Therefore, I want to collect information and “expert opinions” to bring this more into the focus of future rescue activities.
34 Whales are communicating via sound and vibration. And: many people who work with dolphins and whales in captivity train them by visualizing things/tricks. If we consider this, it would be worthwhile (and logical) to lead them out into deeper waters with sound.
I would like to find out more about how to support whales more efficiently – and how to exchange information with them, therefore some questions:
1) Has anybody else already tried to guide stranded whales with sound? Is there any research material/documentation? There are two options I can think of: we could guide them with their own sounds (maybe not easy because not all cetaceans share the same “language”) or sing them out into open waters with mantras/prayer songs/etc.
2) Has anybody tried to work with animal communicators/shamans/psychic people/telepathic communicators in the field of strandings? Marine biologists/rangers/researchers/etc. could work closely together with people who can telepathically communicate with the whales.
3) I counted a lot of females and subadults/calves in recent strandings. Is this a trend/generally the case? Maybe because females and young ones are always affected first when living conditions are not optimal?
4) I “asked” an old female why they seemed so disoriented after refloating them and she sent me a picture that their sonar is not working properly after many hours on dry land (kind of dehydration), and that it takes a while in deeper water to re-adjust. I am not a marine biologist/scientist: Is there any known evidence that would confirm this? Is this possible?
5) I think that there is a “simple message” behind strandings: no matter what the reasons are in particular: the cetaceans are stressed and tell us that something is out of balance. This can be caused by different reasons: in old days it could have been whale hunting and food shortage; nowadays there are many causes like noise pollution, toxins, food shortage, climate change/water temperatures, etc. In New Zealand, almost every shallow, calm bay is overrun by boat traffic (tourism and private and commercial fishery et al) so there is nowhere to rest and feed, especially for females and young ones. As far as I know it is widely documented that whales/dolphins avoid boats, especially females with young ones, and that their breathing rate is considerably higher when boats are around. This means higher “energy costs” = higher need for food and rest because of stress.
If this is right there is an increased stress level within whales, especially females and young ones, due to boat traffic. Could a solution be to ban boat traffic in certain areas? Would that work? What do you think as an “expert”?
I am looking forward to hearing from you and Friends of IDW! Thank you for sharing your ideas. Arohanui, Birgit Baader
Note from Editor: If you have any ideas/comments you would like to share with Birgit and Horace please Email: [email protected] [email protected]
35 HEPCA – Protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Red Sea and Egypt Dear International Dolphin Watch team
My name is Marina Costa and I'm working as scientific consultant for the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA). HEPCA is a leading NGO actively working towards the goal of protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Red Sea and Egypt (www.hepca.com). The organization is involved in a large number of projects concerning sustainable development, solid waste management plants, activities targeted at the local community, schools, tourism industry and in the past 18 years has developed the largest mooring system in the world to prevent coral reef destruction from boat anchoring.
Since this year we are launching the Red Sea Dolphin Project, the first boat-based research plan completely dedicated to the study of the dolphins of the Southern Egyptian Red Sea. The aim of the study is to document the abundance, distribution and ecology of the dolphins to provide baseline scientific data for the adoption of long- term management measures and conservation strategies to promote sustainable tourism development for the region.
At the end of this study we will make valuable information available to policy makers and environmental managers in order to develop a widely-applicable management measures and a proposal for the development of a network of marine protected areas. To allow the funding of the project we need to find paying eco-volunteers willing to adhere to our project and join the expedition assisting the researchers on the field. Volunteers will be part of a scientific based experience observing and studying the dolphins aboard the Red Sea Defender vessel. Participants will also have the opportunity to navigate and dive in some of the few pristine areas on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, where coastal development is still in its early stages. Further information available on http://www.hepca.com/ and in our blog at: http://redseadolphinproject.wordpress.com/
Marina Costa Email [email protected]
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Dilo and the Isle of the Gods Serialisation
Chapter 18 (Continued from the January 2011 Magazine)
18. Captured TINA WAS RESTING, ASLEEP ON THE SURFACE. She was getting her strength back to go on her next long journey. If the turtle had been awake she would have dived. The crew knew this. They cut the engine and let the boat glide towards “We‟re here to catch fish – not turtles.” her. It drew silently alongside the sleeping turtle. Two of the young men dropped the net. The other There were four men onboard. One was an old man continued to heave it up. He was annoyed at the fisherman. He looked at Tina, whose eyes were shut. old man‟s interference. He could sense her ancient wisdom. There was a deep “Shut up you old fool,” he exclaimed in a hushed bond between them. voice. “Come on, you two. You are not going to let The other fishermen were young. To them Tina was a this turtle get away are you?” he hissed still holding fine prize. They were excited but stayed silent. The onto the net. three of them started to lift a pile of netting slowly and “No, don‟t do it,” croaked the old man. “Don‟t catch quietly off the bottom of the boat. They didn‟t want to the turtle. You‟ll be sorry if you do.” frighten the turtle. The old man knew what they were about to do was wrong. He broke the silence. But his plea fell on deaf ears. The young fishermen threw the net overboard on top of Tina. In the next “Don‟t touch the turtle,” he urged. instant two of the men jumped into the sea. They Page 90 dived down pulling the net around the turtle‟s flippers. Tina was not aware of the presence of the fishing boat until the net fell over her head. Paddling their prize and take it back to their island. furiously with panic she tried to dive. But it was too late. She was entangled. Getting the turtle onboard proved very difficult. Several times the boat nearly capsized. Eventually The more Tina struggled the more the net became they managed it, turning Tina on her back as she wrapped around her. crashed onto the wooden duckboards. The fishermen The three young men were shouting with knew that once Tina was upside down, turned turtle in excitement. It was the biggest turtle they had ever fact, she could not get back onto her feet again. All seen. It was really too big to get in their small she could do was to wave her flippers helplessly in boat. But they were determined to keep the air. Page 91 “Let the turtle go,” cried the old fisherman sitting in the stern of the boat. But his plea was not heeded. The young men started the engine. Singing and laughing they set off for their island. The next chapter will be in the April The sun was beating down. The turtle, already weak, 2011 issue of DOLPHIN was no longer waving her flippers. Tina was preparing to die. But she had not reckoned on Dilo The full version of Dilo and the Isle of the and the rumbling spirit inside the Isle of the Gods. Gods, ISBN: 0-9541721-3-2 can be purchased through the IDW Shop:
Page 92 http://www.idw.org/html/dolphin_shop.html
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Page 81 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
IDW was founded in 1978 as a non profit organisation for the observation, conservation and study of dolphins - especially their relationship with humans.
Our aims and values have always been to make sure the seas and rivers are clean, healthy and productive for the benefit of both humans and dolphins; To respect the rights of dolphins to a free life in their natural environment; To recognise that since earliest times, dolphins have had an affinity with humans and allow this to evolve.
IDW has contributed to saving lives of countless dolphins and enabled thousands to achieve their dreams of meeting dolphins, free in the open sea.
Friends of International Dolphin Watch receive news and exchange information on a host of topics via this monthly online magazine.
WE NEED YOUR HELP: Most of IDW’s activities are conducted by dedicated volunteers. Nonetheless money is still needed to cover basic running expenses. Please help us continue doing what we do by making a donation. You can do this by logging in to the Donation section of the DOLPHIN SHOP http://www.idw.org/html/dolphin_shop.html or by sending your donation, payable to IDW, by post to: International Dolphin Watch, 10 Melton Road, N.Ferriby, HU14 3ET, UK.
WE ARE CREATING A GLOBAL NETWORK OF DOLPHIN LOVERS THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS AND THE EARTH WE SHARE.
If you would like to be added to the International Dolphin Watch database and receive notification when the online Magazine goes live, please Email [email protected] Email your news and comments to me at [email protected] Please spread the word and share this Magazine with friends and colleagues.
Jackie Connell EDITOR
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